Agent system, information providing method , information providing apparatus , and data recording medium

ABSTRACT

An agent system which provides information for a user, displaying a character, includes: an agent program provided in a user computer connectable to a communication channel network; a user information storage part that stores user information; and a character display data storage part that stores character display data for determining a display form of the character. The agent program performs processing of collecting the user information and information selected by the user information, processing of creating a key word specific to the user based on the user information and the selected information, and processing of providing information, varying the display form related to the character from the selected information and the character display data, for every item of information. That is, a character as a virtual creature is provided in an information communication apparatus such as a personal computer or the like, so that information can be collected with interests and fun through communication between the user and the character.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an agent system, an informationproviding method and apparatus, and a data recording medium, andparticularly, to an agent between computers and human being.Specifically, the present invention relates to an agent system, aninformation providing method and apparatus, and a data recording mediumwhich are capable of displaying an animation character to connect to theInternet, operate computers including information search and the like,and exchange information through communication with the character.

BACKGROUND ART

Since information devices such as personal computers and the like havespread, various information can be obtained by means of Internet. TheInternet is a large scale network of a horizontal dispersion typeextended over the world, like an arachnoid or a chain. Users can accesspredetermined Web servers to obtain necessary information with use ofpersonal computers or the like.

Known as a method of efficiently obtaining information necessary foruser themselves from the Internet are search engine sites. Search enginesites are constructed such that Web pages which comply with a key wordare presented by inputting a predetermined keyword.

Known also as a technique which performs information search or the likein place of users is an agent technique. This agent technique isconstructed such that software as an agent of a user is stationed in acomputer and starts up in response to an event, to make aimed action onthe network. The technique uses an autonomous program which carries outservices as an agent of the user on the network. For example, in case ofchecking a stock, when a place where a certain item exists isinstructed, the agent automatically accesses a stock system of a stockroom from the computer where the agent itself is stationed, andinvestigates whether the item is present or not. If not, the agent goesto other stock systems one after another, moving on the communicationchannel.

However, when information is obtained from the Internet, a search enginesite can be less and less easily connected in a conventional methodbased on search engine sites, as the users who use the search enginesite increase. Consequently, a problem arises in that much time isrequired to search information.

In addition, in the conventional Internet environment, it takes longtime to display the Web page even if a desired Web page is found. Thiscauses a drawback that the user wastes the time.

Usually, information relating to various searchs are concentrated on asearch engine site from various users. Most users, however, use dial-upconnection so that telephone fees are charged by Internet connection. Itis therefore difficult for users to connect the Internet for a long timeover all time range.

Users hence search only most necessary information at the present timeand do not tend to search at once what daily occur to them or what isnot necessary enough to collect.

To access the Internet and browse Web contents, browser software calleda Web browser is used. The browser software is constructed to be usefulfor users who are used to the software but is unfamiliar to those whoutilizes the Internet for the first time.

Further, in the agent technique, search and the like can be carried outwith respect to an item instructing a predetermined content andinformation thereof can be notified. In case of a situation that manyinstructions are provided, there is a drawback that the user cannotdistinguish the information notified from the agent.

Thus, according to a conventional search method using the Internet,users can obtain necessary information at times. However, there are lesschances for newly searching for information in which users are alwaysvaguely interested or information about which users are usually worried.In addition, if many instructions are given to the agent when using theagent technique, there is a problem that it is difficult for the user toknow intuitively what is the information notified from the agent.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an agent system, aninformation providing method and apparatus, and a data recording mediumin which a character is let live in an information communication devicesuch as a personal computer or the like so that information can becollected with interest and fun through communication between the userand the character.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an agent system,an information providing method and apparatus, and a data recordingmedium in which information provided by the character can bedistinguished intuitively in the communication between the user and thecharacter.

To achieve the above objects, an agent system according to the presentinvention provides information for a user, displaying a character, andcomprises: an agent program part provided in a user computer connectableto a communication channel network; a user information storage partwhich stores user information; and a character display data storage partwhich stores character display data for determining a display form ofthe character. The agent program part performs processing of collectingthe user information and information selected by the user information,processing of creating a key word specific to the user based on the userinformation and the selected information, and processing of providinginformation, varying the display form related to the character from theselected information and the character display data, for every item ofinformation.

Thus, the agent system according to the present invention is constructedsuch that a key word is created and selected information is presented,based on user information. Another key word is further created from theselected information, and other information is presented. Therefore, theuser can obtain information which complies with tastes of the user.

Also, in the agent system according to the present invention,information is provided through a character. At this time, the displayform of the character is determined in compliance with the type of theinformation, and information is presented by a character which hasdifferent appearances respectively for information items. As a result ofthis, when the user see the appearance of the character, the user canintuitively distinguishes what the information relates to, so that theuser can accept information smoothly without confusion. Informationpresented to the user is, for example, information provided in a serverconnected through a communication channel network, information from theWeb page searched in the server, or the like.

If information is previously read into a terminal of the user and isthen displayed when presenting information from the Web page, waitingtime till the user reads the information can be reduced. Alternatively,if information from the Web page is previously downloaded and is thendisplayed, the user can read it unhurriedly after turning the system offline.

Key words for selecting information to be provided are created fromanswers to questions given to the user. Also, the key words includeaddresses of the Web pages which show the most effective information forthe user.

The agent system according to the present invention can be used at homeor at places where the user goes. That is, the agent system can be usedat outdoor places if the agent system is provided in a portable mobileterminal.

An information providing method according to the present inventionprovides a user with information by a displayed character, comprisingsteps of: collecting individual information of the user; creating a keyword, based on the individual information of the user; searchingspecific information, based on the key word; specifying a form of thecharacter as a predetermined form related to search result informationobtained by search; and providing the search result information for theuser by the character in the specified form.

Specific information is information from the Web pages, and a key wordis further created based on search result information. Thus, accordingto the information providing method of the present invention, it ispossible to provide information which complies with need of each user,based on information specific to the user. In addition, the informationis provided by a character having a form which expresses the contents ofthe information, so that it is possible to distinguish what contents theinformation to be provided has at a glance of the character.

Individual information of the user is obtained by presenting a questionto the user and by collecting an answer to the presented question.According to the information providing method of the present invention,questions are presented by the character, so that the user can answerwith real intentions without posture. Accordingly, interest targets ofthe user can be grasped consciously. Alternatively, in conversationbetween the user and the character, individual information of the usercan be obtained by selecting predetermined words inputted from the user.Therefore, the things which the user is vaguely interested in or thinksabout can be grasped through conversation with the character.

Also, an information providing apparatus according to the presentinvention comprises: a processing part which executes processing ofobtaining user information, processing of determining a characterdisplay form from character display data, processing of collecting theuser information and/or information selected by the user information,processing of creating a key word specific to the user based on the userinformation and/or the selected information, and processing of providinginformation, varying a display form related to the character from theselected information and the character display data, for every item ofinformation; a transmission/reception part which transmits/receivesinformation to/from another computer through a communication channelnetwork; an information storage part which stores predeterminedinformation; and an information search part which searches informationin the information storage part from the key word.

An agent program may execute the processing of obtaining userinformation, the processing of determining a character display form fromcharacter display data, the processing of collecting the userinformation and/or information selected by the user information,processing of creating a key word specific to the user based on the userinformation and/or the selected information, and the processing ofproviding information, varying a display form related to the characterfrom the selected information and the character display data, for everyitem of information. The structure can be arranged such that the agentprogram is executed by a user computer or a server computer.

In addition, the user computer or the server computer may be constructedso as to comprise the transmission/reception part whichtransmits/receives information to/from another computer through acommunication channel network, the information storage part which storespredetermined information, and the information search part whichsearches information in the information storage part from the key wordinputted from the user computer.

In addition, the agent program which constructs the agent system can bestored in a data recording medium and is structured such that theprogram can be installed into a server computer or a user computer.Also, the user computer includes a portable mobile terminal.

Also, the data recording medium according to the present inventionrecords a program for making at lest a computer execute an informationcollection step of collecting user information and information selectedby the user information, a key word creation step of creating a key wordspecific to a user, based on the user information and the selectedinformation, a display form selection step of selecting a display formof a character, varying the display form related to the selectedinformation, based on the selected information, for every item ofinformation, and an information providing step of displaying theselected information through the character displayed based on theselected display form.

The program described above will now be explained specifically. Theagent program 22 comprises, as steps of collecting user information, theagent program steps S24 and S25 of the key word creation processing (A)(progressing for giving a question or the like to the user and obtainingan answer thereto), and as a step of collecting selected information, astep S39 of the information providing processing (B) (processing forinformation search from a key word or inputted word).

Also, the agent program 22 comprises, as steps of creating a key wordbased on user information, steps S26 and S27 of the key word creationprocessing (A) (processing for creating a key word from an answer of theuser), and as steps of creating a key word based on selectedinformation, a step S42 of the server information providing processing(B) (processing for determining key word creation from serverinformation), a step S55 of the Web page information processing (C)(processing for taking an address of a favorite Web page as a key word),and a step S66 of the information providing processing for the user (D)(processing for determining key word creation from providedinformation).

Further, the agent program 22 comprises, as steps of selecting a displayform for selecting a display form of a character, steps S71-1 to S83-1of the character form processing (E-1) (processing for changing the faceof the character in compliance with the contents of information).

Furthermore, the agent program 22 comprises, as an information providingstep, a step S77-1 of the character form processing (E-1) (processingfor presenting information from a character having a face which complieswith the contents of information).

The key word creation step may be constructed so as to include a step ofsupplying the user with a question, a step of collecting an answer fromthe user to the question, and a step of creating a key word based on thecollected answer.

The above steps will now be explained specifically based on anembodiment. The agent program 22 comprises, as a step of giving aquestion to the user, a step S24 of the key word creation processing (A)(a step of giving a question to the user), as a step of collecting ananswer from the user, a step S25 of the key word creation processing (A)(processing for obtaining an answer to the question), and as a step ofcreating a key word based on an answer, a step S26 of the key wordcreation processing (A) (processing for creating a key word from ananswer).

Also, the key word creation step may be constructed so as to include astep of collecting the information selected by the user information, anda step of creating a key word, based on the collected information.

The above step will now be explained specifically based on anembodiment. The agent program 22 comprises, as steps of collectinginformation to be provided for the user, steps S39 to S41 of theinformation providing processing for the user (B) (processing for makinginformation search and providing server information), as steps ofcreating a key word based on server information, steps S43 to S45(processing in which, for example, those key words that appearrepeatedly or can become key words are taken as key words, among wordsincluded in server information).

Alternatively, the key word creation step may be constructed so as toinclude a step of collecting information from the Web page selected bythe user information, and a step of creating a key word, based on thecollected information from the Web page.

The above step will now be explained specifically based on anembodiment. The agent program 22 comprises, as a step of collectinginformation from the Web page, a step S46 of the information providingprocessing for the user (B) (processing for determining whether there isinformation from the web page as a result of making information search),and as a step of creating a key word based on information from an Webpage, a step S55 of the information processing of the Web page (C)(processing for taking addresses of favorite Web pages as key words).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of a display form of a character;

FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of a display form of a character;

FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of a display form of a character;

FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a display form of a character;

FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a display form of a character;

FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a display form of a character;

FIG. 7 is a view showing a relationship between a user computer, acommunication channel network, and a server;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a hardware structure of the usercomputer;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a structure of an agent system;

FIG. 10 is a view showing a memory map;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a structure of a server apparatus;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining processing made by the agentsystem;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining key word creation compilationprocessing based on communication with a character;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining server information providingprocessing for users;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining information processing on the Webpage;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining information providing processingfor users;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining character form processing at thetime of providing information;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining character form processing at thetime of providing information; and

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing key word creation.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, an agent system, an information providing method, aninformation providing apparatus, and a data recording medium accordingto the present invention will be explained with reference to thedrawings. Although the following explanation will be made of an agentsystem, the same explanation is also applicable to the informationproviding method, the information providing apparatus, and the datarecording medium which records a program to be executed by a computer,of course. In addition, the members and layout explained below do notlimit the present invention but can be variously modified within therange of the scope of the present invention.

FIGS. 1 to 6 are views showing an example of a character. FIG. 7 is aview showing the relationship between a user computer, a communicationchannel network, and a server. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing thehardware configuration of the user computer. FIG. 9 is a block diagramshowing the configuration of the agent system. FIG. 10 is a view showinga memory map. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the structure of theserver apparatus. FIGS. 12 to 18 are explanatory flowcharts forprocessing based on the agent system. FIG. 19 is a block diagram showingkey word preparation and storage processing.

(Outline of Agent System)

An agent system 21 to which the present invention is applied serves toprovide services for users, using a character which is a virtualcreature as a communication tool.

The agent system 21 to which the present invention is applied is storedas a software program in, for example, a HDD 14 or the like which willbe described later. The system 21 lets a computer such as an informationcommunication apparatus or the like (e.g., a user computer 1 in thisexample) comprising a display means or the like display a character, sothat conversation is possible between the user and the character whetherthe apparatus is on or off line. User information can always be storedthrough the conversation, and the needs from the user can be graspedaccurately by the stored information.

Further, in compliance with the needs from the user, necessaryinformation is presented to the user from the side of the characterdisplayed on the screen. At this time, the character K is displayed indifferent forms corresponding to the types of supplied information.

Examples of display forms of the character are shown in FIGS. 1 to 6. Inthese examples, the agent system 21 is constructed such so as toimmediately start operating when the power source of the computer 1 isturned on. Once the agent system 21 operates, the character K appears onthe screen G of the display device, as shown in FIG. 1. At this time, ifthe character K has a form like a deformed bird as shown in the figure,the character is displayed such that it flies from a distance. Althoughthe character K may be another animal or have an imaginary or fictiousform, it is rather preferred that actions of the character remind usersof feelings like “pretty”, “fun”, “heartwarming”, and the like.

The character K firstly makes greetings and provides information tousers. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the character is displayed withan umbrella U and provides the user with weather information I₁ that “Itwill rain this afternoon. Don't forget an umbrella!”.

Further, the character K provides information specific to the user orinformation from Web pages. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in thesituation that the user frequently uses a personal computer and isinterested in personal computers, the user is supplied with informationI₂ concerning personal computers from Web pages, saying that “Well, the(home) page of ∘∘ (indicating here a kind of personal computer) seems tohave been renewed. Let's go!”. At this time, the character K isdisplayed with a signboard B informing update of the Web page (“NEW!Page of ∘∘”), as shown in FIG. 3.

In addition to information presented one-way from the character K, theuser side can make a reaction to information from the character, and thecharacter's side can accept from information from the user side, torespond to user requests.

Suppose, for example, a case that a question is made concerninginformation which the user wants to watch and the user side inputs apredetermined word (where the input includes key-board, voices, and thelike) after information saying that “A home page has been renewed” issupplied. With respect to the word, whether information which the userwants to watch has been updated or not is searched for. At this time, asshown in FIG. 4, the character K says that “What? Can you watch itdepending on a present? Please wait!” or so (this may be a voice, a textdisplay using a frame, or both a voce and a text display). Thus,information is exchanged as if the character K and the user madeconversation.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a window W may be displayed with respect toinstruction items frequently given from the user side. Displayed in thisexample is a menu including “Open voice window V”, “no display (H)”,“Advanced character options”, “Computer term home page”, “Triallistening”, “Search on the Internet”, “Create a mobile package”, “Checkupdate”, “Close”, and the like. For example, when P₁ “Open voiceinstruction window” and P₄ “Trial listening” are selected from thewindow W if a home page concerning a favorite musical band of the useris found as shown in the figure, a file for trial listing is downloadedfrom the Web page so that the user can listen to a part of a music.

As described above, in case of trial listening or in case where a newsong is introduced as update information of a home page, the character Kis displayed in the form that it is listening to music, as a displayform related to selected information, as shown in FIG. 6. In the case ofthis example, the character is displayed with a head phone H on, on thedisplay screen G.

In this manner, the user can feel as if the user enjoyed music togetherwith the character. To notify update of information concerning newsongs, the user can be invited to try listening by the form of thecharacter K shown in FIG. 6.

Thus, in the agent system 21 to which the present invention, thecharacter K drawn on the basis of a drawing system 36 providesinformation, in forms according to the contents of information.Therefore, users can immediately distinguish the field to which theinformation belongs to.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the agent system 21 to which the presentinvention is applied is stationed in the user computer 1 as aninformation communication device in the user side and compiles userprofiles and user information in the side of the user computer 1. Thecharacter is displayed on the basis of data of a knowledge data base 26,and the present state of the character is stored in a character statestorage part 32. Every time the display form of the character changes,the data in the character state storage part 32 is changed. The samestructure as described above may be constructed in the side of theserver, in place of the information communication apparatus in the userside. In this case, for example, it is possible to user a method such asASP (Application Service Provider) or the like.

In response to a question from the character, user information isobtained from an answer obtained by an input from the user, an inputitem in the input form for Web connection, or the like, and is storedinto an attribute information storage part 29 provided in a storagedevice (e.g., HDD, PROM, or the like). In addition, key words arecreated from user information. Based on these key words, informationsearch is carried out so that users are provided with information orpredetermined Web pages are connected.

(Hardware Structure in the Side of the User Computer)

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the usercomputer 1. The user computer 1 comprises a CPU 11 as a datacalculation/control processing device, a RAM 13, a ROM 12, a HDD 14, anEEPROM 15, and the like as storage devices.

The CPU 11 executes various processing in accordance with programsstored in the ROM 12 and HDD 14. The RAM 13 appropriately storesnecessary data for the CPU 11 to execute various processing. The EEPROM15 stores the data, for example the user profile, which needs to remainstored in the CPU 11 after power supply is turned off.

The user computer 1 is also provided with a mouse 1 a and a keyboard 1 bas an input part, a microphone 1 c for voice input, a display device 1 dsuch as a monitor or the like, a speaker 1 e for voice output, a storagemedium 1 f, a communication device 1 h for connecting to a communicationline network 2 such as the Internet, a converter 1 i or the like forconversion of voice into text data, and the like, which are devicescontrolled by the CPU 11. These devices are controlled by the CPU 11through a bus 1 j and an interface 1 k.

Note that the storage medium if is constructed by an external hard disc,magneto-optical disc, CD-R, DVD, memory card, or the like. The storagemedium 1 f is arranged such that data in the user computer 1 can bestored or data in the storage medium 1 f can be read from the usercomputer 1.

Also, the data in the user computer 1 can be shared with a mobileterminal 1 g. The category of the mobile terminal 1 g includeselectronic notebook-type portable information tools, portable gamemachines, and mobile telephones, and further includes portable terminalsdedicated to an agent system to which the present invention is applied.

Since data in the user computer 1 can thus be shared with the mobileterminal 1 g, the user can use the agent system 21 wherever the user go.Accordingly, continuous compilation of user information and timelyobtaining of information can be achieved.

At this time, there is a premise that at least a program for displayinga character on the screen and a control part such as a CPU or the likefor performing processing based on the program are provided in the sideof the mobile terminal 1 g.

Further, if an enough capacity is left in the side of the mobileterminal 1 g, there should be provided a storage part for storing datafor making the character speak predetermined words and inputted data.

By this structure, communication between the character and the user canbe achieved at the place where the user goes. The data compiled in themobile terminal 1 g at the place where the user goes is outputted to theuser computer 1 from the mobile terminal 1 g, by connecting the mobileterminal 1 g and the user computer 1 when the user gets home.

In addition to subsidiary use of the mobile terminal 1 g, as describedabove, it is possible to adopt a structure in which the mobile terminal1 g is let have all functions of the agent system 21 so that the mobileterminal 1 g solely practices the agent system 21 to which the presentinvention is applied.

In case where the agent system 21 to which the present invention isapplied is practiced solely by the mobile terminal 1 g, a structure inwhich the mobile terminal 1 g is provided with the CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM13, EEPROM 15, and storage part, as the hardware structure shown in FIG.8. As the storage part, for example, a memory card or the like can beused in addition to the internal memory in the mobile terminal 1 g.

As the mobile terminal 1 g, an electronic notebook type portableinformation tool, a mobile telephone, or the like is used, and themethod of inputting texts and the method of displaying the characterdiffer depending on the structure of the mobile terminal 1 g. Forexample, the case of using an electronic notebook type portableinformation tool as the mobile terminal 1 g is substantially similar tothe case of using the user computer 1. A mouse 1 a or a keyboard 1 b canbe used as an input means, and a microphone or a speaker integrallyprovided in the mobile terminal 1 g can be used. In addition, since adisplay means is provided, the character can be displayed by the displaymeans.

Also, in case of using a portable telephone as the mobile terminal 1 g,push buttons can be used as means for inputting texts, or voice inputcan be achieved by using a transmitter part. In case where buttons or adial for searching a communication target or for making set-up isprovided, these buttons or dial may be used as an input means. Further,the structure may be arranged such that the character is displayed onthe display screen which normally displays the telephone number of thecommunication target.

If a portable phone is thus used as the mobile terminal 1 g, userinformation can be compiled, or the server 3 can be connected only bythe single body of the portable phone. Thus, the agent system 21 can beused without occupying a large space or selecting a place.

When a user carries a portable phone, the power source of the portablephone is usually on. For example, when a push button 1 is pressed, thecharacter displays a conversation or question.

The structure may be arranged such that if the user presses the pushbutton 1 at this time, the portable phone is automatically connected tothe server 3, collect weather information from the server 3, andprovides the information for the user through the character.Alternatively, the structure may be such that the character asks theuser if the server 3 may be connected or not, and the connection maythen be made. Alternatively, the structure may be such that the server 3is not connected unless the user makes an independent action to connectthe server 3.

The user answers questions from the character or enjoys a conversationwith the character with use of push buttons. A key word specific to theuser is created from input information from the user and is stored intothe storage part. While the user connects the portable phone to theserver 3, information is collected from the server 3 and favorite Webpages and is supplied to the user.

Not only the information from the server 3 and web pages, but alsoinformation previously stored in the agent system 21 may be searched forand presented to the user, from words inputted through conversationsbetween the user and the character.

(Structure of Agent System)

Explained next will be the system structure of the agent system 21provided in the user computer 1. The agent system 21 to which thepresent invention is applied is constructed such that a character as avirtual creature is displayed on a display part 1 d of a user computer 1or a mobile terminal 1 g, user information is compiled throughconversation with this character, information which complies with theuser is obtained and supplied from the side of the server 3 on the basisof the compiled user information, and web pages suitable for the userare introduced.

The agent system 21 is stationed in the side of the user computer 1. Asshown in FIG. 9, the agent system 21 comprises an agent program 22 whichcontrols the will and actions of the character, a knowledge data base 26which stores information concerning the forms of the character, acharacter state storage part 32 which temporarily holds the presentinner state, outer state, and environmental information of thecharacter, a drawing system 36 which generates display data of thecharacter, and a voice generation system 37 which outputs voice of thecharacter.

The agent system 21 is normally constructed such that the system startsoperating when the power source of the user computer 1 is turned on. Thestructure may be arranged such that the timing at which the agent system21 starts up can be appropriately set from the user side.

In the agent system 21 to which the present invention is applied, thestructure is arranged as follows. That is, an agent program 22 is storedin the HDD 14, continuous monitor program data is collected from theagent program 22 and is took in the RAM 13, and the continuous monitorprogram performs calculation processing between the RAM 13 and the CPU11.

Therefore, even in a state in which no character is displayed on thedisplay device 1 d (i.e., the agent program is not executed), executionhistory of the user can be obtained as continuous log data of the user.

The agent program 22 controls will and action of the character, based onthe knowledge information of the character given by the knowledge database 26 and the inner state, outer state, and environmental informationof the character which are stored in the character state storage part32, and stores the control results in the character state storage part32.

By the agent program 22, such a character can be constructed that canautonomously act on the display device Id of the user computer 1. Thenumber of characters that are displayed with respect to one charactersystem is not always limited to one but plural characters may bedisplayed. In addition, the characters which display information may beused differently depending on the contents of information.

The agent program 22 comprises an information collection part 23, aninformation analysis part 24, and an information providing part 25. Theinformation collection part 23 collects user information and alsocollects information sent to users from the server 3. Note that userinformation is stored into the attribute information storage part 29 andinformation sent from the server 3 is stored into a provided-informationstorage part 31.

The information collection part 23 not only collects user informationbut also obtains server information and information from web pages,based on key words generated by the information analysis part 24 whichwill be described next. The server information and information from webpages can be collected when the user computer 1 is on line.

From the user computer 1, a key word specific to the user is sent to theside of the server 3. In the side of the server 3, information whichcomplies with the key word is detected and supplied to the user. Theinformation collection part 23 stores information provided from the sideof the server 3, into the provided-information storage part 31.

As information detected in the side of the server 3, information storedin the information storage part of the server 3 and information from webpages which comply with the needs from the user are detected. As theinformation from the Web pages, if an instruction for downloadingpredetermined information has been made from the user, predeterminedinformation of web pages is downloaded and provided for the usercomputer 1, in addition to the addresses of the Web pages.

The information analysis part 24 analyzes favorites and tastes of theuser, based on user information obtained by the information collectionpart 23, and generates a key word. Specifically, the informationanalysis part 24 reads user information and program data of the agentprogram 22 stored previously in the HDD 14, into the RAM 13, and thenperforms calculation processing with the CPU 11. Thus, tastes of theuser are thus analyzed and a key word is generated. The key word isstored into the key word storage part 29 b which will be describedlater.

The information providing part 25 selects information for the user anddetermines the outer appearance and action of the character. That is,the information providing part 25 determines what face the charactershould take when presenting information or what costume the charactershould put on, based on common rules of the knowledge data base 26 whichwill be described next.

The state information of the character, as an information providing formof the character which is determined by the information providing part25, is sent to the character state storage part 32 which will bedescribed next. The internal data of the character state storage part 32is thus updated.

In addition, the information providing state determined by theinformation providing part 25 is inputted to the drawing system 36 andthe voice generation system 37, which will be described next. Based onthe information providing state determined by the information providingpart 25, image and voice are generated in accordance with behavior ofthe character.

The knowledge data base 26 is stored previously in a storage device suchas a HDD 14 or the like. The knowledge data base 26 stores dataconcerning the habits of the character, attribute information of theuser, various key word data, and data concerning information providedfor the user, e.g., how the character behaves in what situation, whatsound the character creates, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 9, the knowledge data base 26 is provided with a commonrule storage part 27, a special rule storage part 28, an attributeinformation storage part 29, and a provided-information storage part 31.

The common rule storage part 27 stores common data concerning thecharacter. For example, this part stores data for setting faces of thecharacter, costumes thereof, ways of moving its body, voice generation,reactions to actions of the user and devices, and the like.

In the common rule storage part 27, a memory map 27 a is created withrespect to data which determines the display form of the character. Thememory map 27 a is constructed so as to record “action”, “expression”,“face”, and the like at predetermined addresses in the user area, asshown in FIG. 10. Data is read from these recorded addresses, andvarious forms depending respectively on categories, such as, ways ofmoving the body, voice generations, and reactions, are expressed.

For example, with respect to the faces of the character, data concerninga smile as a face 1, an angry face as a face 2, a sad face as a face 3,a calm face as a face 4, an impressed face as a face 5, a neutral facewhich does not particularly express a feeling as a face 6 are stored.

With respect to costumes of the character, an appearance with anumbrella as an expression 1, data concerning an appearance with a sunglass as an expression 2, an appearance with a head phone as anexpression 3, an appearance with a uniform as an expression 4, anappearance of having a meal as an expression 5, an appearance with apersonal computer as an expression 6, and the like are stored. Data fordisplaying other various appearances are also stored.

With respect to actions of the character, data expressing actions, suchas a form of standing as an action 1, a form of dancing as an action 2,a form of folding arms as an action 3, a form of walking around as anaction 4, a form of skipping as an action 5, and the like, are stored.

Every time information is provided, data from the memory map 27 a isselected to match the form of the character with the information wheninformation is provided for a user.

The special rule storage part 28 stores rules specific to the user whichmove the character. For example, appearance frequency at which thecharacter appears on the screen, question frequency at which questionsare given to the user, the number of characters displayed by thecharacter system, types of character voice, types of characters (e.g.,creature from outer space, animal, plant, robot, and the like) are setin the part 28.

Also, for example, whether a “frame” should be displayed or not when thecharacter speaks, how fast the speed of text display should be in caseof displaying a “frame”, what should be the display language and inputlanguage, whether the voice output should be of stereo or monaural, andthe like are set in the special rule storage part 28, so that the usercan easily use the system.

The attribute information storage part 29 is provided with a userprofile storage part 29 a which stores user profiles as attributeinformation of a user, and a key word storage part 29 b which stores keywords prepared on the basis of user information.

As described above, the user profile storage part 29 a stores individualinformation of a user, as the user profile, e.g., the address, birthday,sex, occupation, favorite food, color, season, family, birthdays offamily members, hobby, lifestyle, and the like of the user.

As described above, the key word storage part 29 b stores key wordscreated from input data inputted to an input form, such as an answer toa question to the user or a questionnaire at the time of connectingInternet or the like.

With respect to the information capacity that can be stored in theattribute information storage part 29, a predetermined size ispreviously set. When the set capacity is exceeded, information of anolder date is subjected to overflow deletion while newest information isstored, with priority, into the attribute information storage part 29.Of the created key words, those are not necessary can be deletedproperly. However, the user profile may be protected since only lesschanges are made to the user profile.

Registration of the user profile to the special rule storage part 28 andthe user profile storage part 29 a of the attribute information storagepart 29 is made at the time of installing a program or at the first timeof staring the program.

The provided-information storage part 31 stores information obtainedfrom the server 3 by the information collection part 23 of the agentprogram 22, and information provided for the user, such as contents ofquestions to the user, responses in conversation with the user, casualchat, information concerning wits of life, information of varioussubjects, and the like.

Information to be stored in the provided-information storage part 31will be cited in the next table. Also, information to be provided forthe user is stored, classified as shown in the next table. By thusclassifying information, information search time can be shortenedpreferably.

TABLE 1 CLASS CONTENTS music/ karaoke, club, personal computer, game,cinema, art, entertainment comic, animation, literature, literary,traditional art, drama, science, TV, GO, SHOGI, camera, video, car,motorcycle, J-POP, ROCK & POPS, DANCE & SOUL, JAZZ, CLASSIC outdoor/ski, snowboard, soccer, motor sports, marine sports, sports horse race,golf, baseball, tennis, sumou, fight, martial arts, amusement park,theme park, beach information, domestic tour, overseas tour, spa,pleasure resort, drive, touring, auto-camp, fishing, hiking, crimbinghome/life gourmet, make-up, fashion, gardening, pet, residence,interior, diet, esthetique, child care, education, love, marriage,cooking, money management, lottery city/town life trend spot, shopping,entertainment, rumour, extra information information, new businessinformation, fashion, trend, scandals, social problems, documentary

The character state storage part 32 stores the states of the characterwhich change sequentially due to elapse of time and occurrences ofevents. Of these states, inner parameters such as feelings, hunger, andcuriosities of the character (which cannot understood from anothercharacter) are stored into the inner state storage part 33.

Also, outer parameters such as the position, direction, and color of thecharacter which can be understood from another character) are storedinto the outer state storage part 34. Further, parameters which expressthe physical environment surrounding the character (temperature,gravity, date, and the like) are stored into the environmentalinformation storage part 35.

Information stored in the environmental storage part 35 is read from theserver 3. For example, the information will be weather information(rainy, sunny, hot, cold, or so), news (earthquake has taken place, abig event has occurred, or so), entertainment news (a famous talent hasbeen engaged, new song information, or so).

At this time, with respect to weather information, it would be morepreferable to provide weather information which complies with the regionwhere the user lives, based on the address of the user inputted as auser profile, because the information then becomes more valuable.

The drawing system 36 generates display data of the will, action, andthe like of the character which are determined by the agent program 22,e.g., changing the face, changing the costume, moving hands and legs,move the mouth in compliance with a conversation, making a pseudo form,or the like.

The voice generation system 37 generates voice data with respect toconversations and questions based on the will and action of thecharacter. These data are outputted as output data to a speaker. Inaddition, since the agent system 21 to which the present invention isapplied is provided with a communication control part 16, an applicationprogram for automatic dial-up can be previously installed in the HDD 14.In this manner, text data presented by the character can be convertedinto voice information by the converter 22. It can seem as if thecharacter dialed up the user on the portable phone of the user and madea conversation based on voice.

Explained next will be information processing in the agent system 21 towhich the present invention is applied.

Obtaining user information in the agent system 21 to which the presentinvention is applied is carried out as follows. At first, a userprofiled is inputted at the time of installing the agent system 21.

Inputted as the user profile is individual information of the user, suchas the address of the user, birthday, sex, occupation, favorite food,color, season, family, birthdays of members of the family, hobby,lifestyle, and the like.

To grasp the interest target or the like of the user which changes atany time, timely user information is obtained. The user information isobtained through conversation with the character.

For example, at every predetermined time, various questions are given tothe user from the character. Although the character gives variousquestions, these questions are stored as data in theprovided-information storage part 31. At this time, according to thecharacteristics of the present invention, the display form of thecharacter is changed in compliance with the contents of the informationprovided to the user. When a question is given from the character,predetermined question data is selected from the provided-informationstorage part 31 by the information providing part 25 of the agentprogram 22.

Also, the information providing part 25 determines the display form whenthe character gives the question. Once the display form is determined,data for displaying the character is selected from the common rulestorage part 27 and the data in the character state storage part 32 isupdated.

That is, when a question is given from the character to the user, thefollowing operation is carried out by the user computer 1. At first,predetermined question data is selected from the provided information inthe provided information storage part 31, stored in the HDD 14, and theselected question data is read into the RAM 13.

Next, the CPU 11 determines what field the question data read into theRAM 13 belongs to. According to the determination result, display dataof the character, which is stored in the HDD 14, is read into the RAM13.

At this time, the RAM 13 (character state storage part 32) includesother character display data which has been used for the display formbefore the question is made, and this data is updated by the characterdisplay data for question which is newly read.

The CPU 11 lets the display device 1 d display the character in aquestioning appearance, and the contents of the question in a framedisplayed near the character, based on the question data read into theRAM 13 and the character display data. At this time, for example, thecharacter is displayed to appear with a placard of a mark.

As a specific question, “Do you like music?” is asked at first. If “Yes”is answered, another question such as “Who is your favorite artist?” isthen given.

Alternatively, if “Yes” is answered to a question like “Do you likesports?”, a question such as “What sport do you like, for example?” orso is then given.

The answers to the questions are user information. Based on the userinformation, key words are created in the information analysis part 24.For example, “˜band” as the name of a favorite artist and “Baseball” asa favorite sport are registered as key words.

In addition to the questions given to the user, targets of the interestof the user are extracted, based on appropriate chats between the userand the character. For example, if a user gives a talk saying that “Iwent to movie”, a key word of “cinema” is created based on thisinformation.

Also, key words are created not only from information inputted by theuser but also from information obtained from the server 3, which shouldbe provided for the user. For example, if artist information is providedfor the user and if the provided information includes a repeatedly usedword (e.g., hard rock, R&B, ballade, or the like), the informationanalysis part 24 automatically registers a word which was usedrepeatedly three times, as a key word.

Thus, a key word (hard rock or the like) is created from one key word(e.g., the name of a predetermined artist in this case), so that theuser can obtain information of wide variation.

(Hardware Structure in Side of Server and System Structure)

Explained next will be the hardware structure in the side of the serverand the system structure.

The agent system 21 to which the present invention is applied isprovided in the side of the user computer 1. Collection of userinformation, control on providing of information for a user by acharacter, creation of key words for searching for information, and thelike are all carried out in the side of the computer 1. However,information search operation based on key words is carried out in theside of the server 3. Of course, the collection of user information,control on providing of information for a user by a character, creationof key words for searching for information, and the like may be carriedout in the side of the server 3.

Therefore, the server 3 according to the present embodiment comprises atleast a CPU 3 a as a calculation/control device for data, a RAM 3 b anda HDD 3 c as storage devices, and an information search program 3 d.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the structure of the server 3. Theserver 3 comprises an information storage part 3 e which storesinformation to be provided for the user, and a transmission/receptionpart 3 f which exchanges data with the user computer 1 or other webservers.

The information storage part 3 e is provided in the HDD 3 c, forexample, The storage part 3 e is subjected to maintenance by the managerof the server 3 in order that newest information is always stored.

In the server 3, whether corresponding data exists in the informationstorage part 3 e or not is searched, based on a key word accepted by thetransmission/reception part 3 f. That is, the key word is read on theRAM 3 b, and the key word on the RAM 3 b and information data stored inthe HDD 3 c are compared with each other by the CPU 3 a.

Further, the server 3 searches whether a corresponding web page existsor not, based on the key word. In this case, the structure may bearranged such that information from web pages are registered in theinformation storage part 3 e of the server 3. Alternatively, thestructure may be arranged such that another search engine site isaccessed from the server 3 and web page search is carried out theanother search engine site.

According to the structure as described above, if information whichcomplies with a key word is detected, the information is transmittedfrom the transmission/reception part 3 f to the user computer 1.

(Information Search)

Explained next will be information search in the side of the server 3,based on a key word sent from the user computer 1. When channelconnection is achieved by a user to make the user computer 1 on line orwhen the user computer 1 is made on line at a time set previously by atimer or the like, transmission/reception of information to/from theserver is enabled. At this time, the information collection part 23transmits a predetermined key word to the server 3 through acommunication channel network 2.

The server 3 receives the key word sent from the user computer 1 by thekey word reception part 3 a. The server 3 searches information whichcomplies with the key word from various information stored in theinformation storage part 3 b in the side of the server, to selectinformation to be provided for the user.

The selected server information is sent from the informationtransmission part 3 c to the user computer 1. This information isreceived by the information collection part 23 of the user computer 1through the communication channel network 2 and is stored into theprovided-information storage part 31.

In order to provide the user with information stored in theprovided-information storage part 31 through a character, the displayform of the character is determined in compliance with the contents ofthe information to be provided.

The information providing part 25 reads data from the memory map 27 a ofthe common rule storage part 27 in accordance with predetermined rules,in order to determine the display form of the character. For example, incase of information concerning weather, it is predetermined thatinformation is provided in a situation that the character stands. Incase where it rains, it is predetermined that the character appears withan umbrella and the face of the character is sad.

In case of information concerning music, as shown in FIG. 6, the face 5of the “impressed face”, the expression 3 “with a head phone”, and theaction 1 of “standing” are selected as display data of the character.

At this time, as the data which determines the display form of thecharacter is subdivided more, the character can be displayed with richerfaces. For example, if information relates to one specific artist incase of information concerning music as described above, there isprovided data for making the character wear a costume specific to theartist.

In this manner, when the user receives provided information, the usercan know not only what the field of the information is but also whichartist the information is related to in case of information concerningmusic or what sport information is related to in case of informationconcerning sports.

For example, information concerning a musical artist, the characterappears on the display screen, expressing a form specific to the artist(e.g., carrying a guitar, handling a microphone in a special way, ridingor dancing on a special rhythm, or so).

Thus, according to the present invention, the character providesinformation, in a display form associated with the information to beprovided. Therefore, the user can intuitively grasp what the informationis related to, by merely watching the display form of the character.

In addition to the above-described case in which information isautonomously provided from the side of the agent system 21 to the user,a predetermined search word is instructed so that information can beobtained when the side of the user desires it like conventional cases,of course.

Key words are not limited to words but addresses of web pages can beregistered as key words, e.g., by registering the web page as a favoritewhen information from a predetermined web page is presented asinformation to be provided for the user.

By thus registering addresses of web pages as key words, web pagesregistered as favorites can automatically be accessed every time thecommunication channel network 2 is connected, and update informationthereof can be presented as provided information if any of the web pagesis updated.

Update information of the web page can be obtained as follows, forexample.

At first, when a channel is connected by the user and the user computer1 is set on line or when the user computer 1 is set on line at a timepreviously set by a timer or the like, the information collection part23 transmits an addresses of a favorite web page to the server 3 throughthe communication channel network 2.

The server 3 accesses the web server which discloses the web page fromthis address, and requests the web server to transfer header informationof the web page or file data of the web page.

The header information includes information concerning communicationprotocols and status information of communication and also includesinformation of update date/time of the file. The server 3 transfers thisheader information to the user computer 1.

The user computer 1 confirms whether or not the web page has beenupdated, based on the header information transmitted from the server 3.Therefore, when the web page is opened and read in the user computer 1,the title of the web page and the header information are coupled andstored into the provided information storage part 31, the headerinformation of the provided information storage part 31 and the headerinformation transmitted from the server 3 are compared with each other.

If no header information can be obtained, the file of the web page istransmitted to the server 3. The server 3 transmits informationconcerning a time stamp from the transmitted file to user computer 1.

The user computer 1 confirms whether the web page has been updated ornot, based on the time stamp information transmitted from the server 3.Therefore, the user computer 1 should preferably be constructed suchthat the title of the web page and the time stamp information arecoupled and stored into the provided information storage part 31, whenthe web page is opened and read, and the time stamp information of theprovided information storage part 31 and the time stamp informationtransmitted from the server 3 are compared with each other.

In the user computer 1, the CPU 11 reads header information or timestamp information used at the time of last reading, onto the RAM 13 fromthe HDD 14 which is provided with the provided information storage part31. The CPU 11 also reads new header information or time stampinformation received from the server 3, onto the RAM 13, thereby tocompare new and last information.

As a result of the comparison, if the new header information or the timestamp information has been changed, i.e., if the update date/time hasbeen changed, the CPU 11 determines that the web page has been updatedand notifies the user of the information.

Also, in case where update information of the web page is notified tothe user through a character, the same processing is performed as thatof normally providing information. The CPU 11 selects the face 1“smile”, expression 6 “with a personal computer”, and action 1“standing”, from the memory map 27 a of the common rule storage part 27existing in the HDD, and displays the character, based on these displaydata.

In addition, the CPU 11 lets the character to speak so that the user isinvited to access the home page. That is, the CPU 11 selects from theprovided information storage part 31 in the HDD 14, a fixed sentencesaying that “The page of ∘∘ seems to have been updated! Let's go andsee!” which should be said from the character when the web page isupdated. The title of the web page is inserted in the part of ∘∘″″ andis displayed in a frame of the character.

At this time, the structure may be arranged such that not only access tothe updated home page is invited but also the home page can be openedand read after whether or not the information which the user wants toknow most is checked.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when update of a home page is notifiedby the character K, a question asking “Will you go to see?” is madethen. In the side of the user, either of “Yes/No” is selected. If “Yes”is selected, a question asking “Is there any particular item you want tosee?” is then given from the character.

If there is a particular item which the user wants to see, the userselects “Yes”. Then, top page data of the home page, the top page dataof the update file, or the update file is downloaded together to theuser computer 1 at once, and is stored into the provided informationstorage part 31.

Next, the character asks “what do you want to see?”, and the user inputs“present”. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the character says “What? You cansee depending on the present? Please wait for a moment!”. In the usercomputer 1, key words of “prize”, “lottery”, and the like are created atthe information analysis part 24, together with the key word of“present”. Further, the information providing part 25 searches data andthe like of the top page stored in the provided information storage part31.

As a result of the search, if there is update information concerning thepresent, the update information is presented to the user. Otherwise, ifthere is no new information concerning the present, the fact that no newinformation exists concerning the present is notified to the user.

As an alternative of the method in which data and the like of the toppage are downloaded and search is then carried out in the side of thecomputer 1, as described above, the structure may be arranged asfollows. Update information is previously provided to the side of theserver 3 from the side of the web page, and the update information isstored into the information storage part 3 e in the side of the server3. Then, whether or not information desired from the user has beenupdated is searched in the side of the server 3.

If update check of web pages is carried out periodically, update checkis not missed and the user can obtain newest information without missinginformation. In addition to the update of web pages, whether or notinformation based on predetermined key words should be periodicallyprovided may be determined. Then, information can be provided for theuser at a desired frequency.

Even if the user does not use the user computer 1, information is may besent by means of a mail or the like when information is providedperiodically as described above. Then, obtaining of information is notmissed, preferably.

In case of adopting the structure as described above, informationprovided by the agent system 21 can be obtained everywhere at any timeby connecting a mobile terminal 1 g to the user computer 1 if the userowns a mobile terminal 1 g.

With respect to information of web pages among the provided information,the information collection part 23 of the agent program 22 automaticallyreads web pages previously and copies data into the storage part of theHDD 14. Then, display waiting time for web pages can be reducedpreferably.

Otherwise, when the web page is presented as provided information, theweb page may be downloaded together at once into the storage part of theHDD 14 or the like by the information collection part 23 of the agentprogram 22. In this structure, web pages can be opened and read even offline, the connection fee can be reduced.

Further, when downloading a web page as described above, only data whichhave a relatively small volume, such as text data and the like, may bedownloaded and stored into the provided information storage part 31,omitting video information and the like.

By thus reducing the data volume, downloaded data can be outputted tothe mobile terminal 1 g such as an electronic notebook type mobileinformation tool, a portable phone or the like, so the data can be readat places where the user goes.

Explained next will be representative ones of processing to be executedby the agent system 21, in accordance with a flowchart.

(Outline of Processing by Agent System)

At first, explanation will be made of outline of processing made by theagent system 21 to which the present invention is applied. The flowchartshown in FIG. 12 shows the functions of the agent system 21 to which thepresent invention is applied, along the time line starting from morning.Each determination step is executed mainly based on input instructionsfrom the user.

In FIG. 12, explanation will be made of a structure in which the agentsystem 21 is provided with an alarm clock function, a schedulerfunction, and an anniversary function, in addition to the informationproviding function. This embodiment will be explained, supposing a casethat the agent system 21 was off in the previous day regardless ofON/OFF of the power source of the computer.

At first, if the power source of the computer has been turned on or ifthe power source is turned on at a predetermined time and the computerstarts up, the agent system 21 starts up and determines whether or notthe alarm clock function should be used (step S1).

If the alarm clock is used (step S1: Yes), the character notifies theuser of that a wake-up time has come, at a predetermined time (step S2).Otherwise, if the alarm clock function is not used (step S1: No), thesystem goes to next processing.

Subsequently, whether or not today is a special day such as a birthdayor the like is determined (step S3). If today is a special day such as abirthday or the like (step S3: Yes), the character displays a messagesuch as “Happy birthday” or so (step S4). In this case, the characterhas a “birthday cake” or the like and thus appears in a form from whichthe birthday can be intuitively determined. Otherwise, if today is not aspecial day (step S3: No). The system goes to next processing anddetermines whether or not today's schedule should be checked (whether ornot appointments should be checked) (step S5).

In case of checking today's schedule (step S5: Yes), the schedule of theuser which has been previously inputted is searched and whether or notthere is a schedule is notified and the contents of the schedule if anyis notified (step S6). In this case, the character has a “scheduletable” or the like and thus appears in a form from which it is possibleto determine intuitively that information relates to today's schedule.

If today's schedule is not checked (step S5: No), the system goes tonext processing and whether or not the user communicates with thecharacter is determined (step S7). If no communication is made with thecharacter (step S7: No), the processing is terminated.

If the user inputs an instruction for communicating with the character(step S7: Yes), communication with the character is started, soconversation between the user and the character begins (step S8).

At this time, to determine what processing is carried out by thecommunication with the character, whether or not a key word should becreated from the communication with the character is determined (stepS9).

In case of creating a key word (step S9: Yes), the system goes to keyword creation processing (A). Otherwise, if no key word is created (stepS9: No), whether or not information should be provided for the user isdetermined (step S10).

If information is provided for the user (step S10: Yes), the system goesto information providing processing (B). Otherwise, if no information isprovided (step S10: No), the processing is terminated.

(Processing A: Key Word Creation Compilation Processing)

Next explanation will be made of processing in which the user and thecharacter communicate with each other thereby to create and store a keyword, based on FIG. 13.

At first, whether the agent system 21 has started up or not isdetermined (step S21). If the agent system 21 has not started up (stepS21: No), the agent system is started up (step S22).

The agent system 21 is thus started up, and then, a character isdisplayed on the display device 1 d of the user computer 1 (step S23).The displayed character asks the user a question or makes a chat withthe user (step S24).

To the question or chat from the character, the user responds (stepS25). This response is information indicating the tendency of theinterest of the user. Based on this response, a key word is created bythe information analysis part 24 of the agent program 22 (step S26).

At this time, whether or not the created key word is a new key word,i.e., whether or not it is one of those key words that have already beencompiled in the key word storage part 29 b is determined (step S27).

If it is a new key word (step S27: Yes), the key word is accumulated inthe key word storage part 29 b (step S28). Otherwise, if it is not a newkey word (step S27: No), the processing from the step S24 to the stepS27 is repeated until a new key word is created.

(Processing B: Information Providing Processing for User)

Next information providing processing for user will be explained on thebasis of FIG. 14.

At first, whether or not the agent system 21 has started up isdetermined (step S31). If the agent system 21 has started up (step S31:No), the agent system 21 is started up (step S32).

After the agent system 21 is thus started up, a character is displayedon the display device 1 d of the user computer 1 (step S33). Next,whether or not the user computer 1 is on line, i.e., whether or not theuser computer is connected to the communication channel network 2 isdetermined (step S34).

If the user computer is not on line (step S34: No), the communicationchannel network 2 is connected (step S35). At this time, connection tothe communication channel network 2 is carried out at the same time whenthe agent system 21 starts up. However, the structure may be arrangedsuch that the communication channel network is connected afterconfirming connection to the user. Alternatively, the structure may bearranged such that the communication channel network 2 is not connectedbefore the user independently connects the communication channel network2. After the communication channel network 2 is thus connected, theserver 3 is accessed through the communication channel network 2 (stepS36).

After the server 3 is accessed, whether or not information is searchedis determined (step S37). If search is carried out with a key word (stepS37: Yes), whether or not there is information which complies with thekey word is searched (step S39).

If search from the key word is not carried out (step S37: No), a wordconcerning information to be searched is inputted (step S38), andwhether or not there is information which complies with this word issearched (step S39). This processing is carried out in case where theuser side has information which the user wants to search independently.

Next, whether or not the information has been detected is determined(step S40). If the information has been detected, it is provided fromthe character (step S41). At this time, processing (E) for determiningthe display form of the character is carried out. This processing causesa display form related to the information to be provided by thecharacter. The processing (E) will be described later.

Next, based on provided server information, whether or not a key wordshould be created is determined (step S42). If a key word is created(step S42: Yes), the information analysis part 24 determines whether ornot the provided server information includes a word which can become akey word (step S43).

For example, if the server information includes a word which repeatedlyappears and this word becomes a key word (step S43: Yes), a key word iscreated (step S44) and is accumulated in the key word storage part 29 b(step S45).

If no key word is created (step S42: No), whether or not informationconcerning a web page has been detected is determined next (step S46).If information concerning the web page has been detected (step S46:Yes), the system goes to processing (C).

If information concerning the web page has not been detected (step S46:No), whether or not the processing should be terminated is determined(step S47). If information search processing is not continued as theuser terminates connection to the server 3 or so (step S47: Yes), theprocessing is terminated. If other information is searched from theserver 3 (step S47: No), the processing from the step S37 to the stepS46 is repeated.

(Processing C: Information Processing of the Web Page)

Next explanation will be made on the basis of FIG. 15, with respect toprocessing when a web page is detected as information to be provided forthe user.

At first, the address of the detected web page is presented (step S51).Next, whether or not the web page should be accessed is determined (stepS52). At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the character asks “There aretwo pages concerning. Will you go?” or so.

If the home page is accessed (step S52: Yes), the web page is displayed(step S53). If it is determined that no web page should be displayed(step S52: No), the processing is terminated.

Next, whether or not the displayed web page should be registered as afavorite is determined (step S54). If it is registered as a favorite(step S54: Yes), the address of the web page is stored in the key wordstorage part 29 b as a key word (step S55).

Further, whether or not the web page should be downloaded is determined(step S56). If it should be downloaded (step S56: Yes), downloadprocessing is carried out (step S57).

After the download processing is finished, whether or not otherinformation should be provided is determined (step S58). If otherinformation should be provided (step S58: Yes), the system shifts toinformation providing processing (B) for the user. Otherwise, if noother information should be provided (step S58: No), the processing isterminated.

If web information is thus obtained, the structure is preferablyarranged such that items which are instructed often from the side of theuser are displayed on a window, as shown in FIG. 5. For example, if ahome page concerning a predetermined band is found as shown in thefigure, P₁ of “open voice instruction window” and P₄ of “trial listing”are selected from the window. In this manner, files for trial listeningare downloaded from the web page, and a trial listening file isreproduced in the side of the user computer 1, so that the user canlisten to part of the music. The above case is possible where theprovider of the web information has data for trial listening.

Alternatively, when no home page is blowsed, P₂ of “not display” isselected. In addition, another favorite page (P₃ of “Computer term homepage” in this case) which has been previously registered may be openedand read, or P₇ of “check update” may be selected to check whether ornot a favorite page has been updated.

If there is no time to check a web page, the item P₆ of “create atake-out pack” may be selected. Then, only data such as text data andthe like which have a relatively small volume are downloaded, omittingvideo information and the like. The downloaded data is outputted to themobile terminal 1 g such as an electronic notebook type mobileinformation tool, a portable phone, or the like, so that data can beread at places where the user goes.

By selecting the item P₇ of “check update”, whether or not a previouslyregistered favorite page has been updated can be checked. Further, ifthe user desires to search other information on the Internet, P₅ of“Internet search” is selected.

If setting of the character is changed, P₈ of “Advanced CharacterOptions” is selected. To terminate all processing, P₉ of “Close” isselected.

(Processing D: Information Providing Processing for User)

Next explanation will be made of processing of providing the user withinformation stored in the knowledge data base 26 of the agent system 21,based on FIG. 16. This processing is executed in cases where the usercommunicates with the character off line, key words for searchinginformation to be provided for the user are not sufficiently stored, andthe like.

At first, the information stored in the provided information storagepart 31 of the knowledge data base 26 and the key word are compared witheach other (step S61). The present processing supposes also a case wherekey words are not stored sufficiently. If there is no appropriate keyword, information is searched mainly based on the age, sex, occupation,and the like which belong to the user profile. The structure may also bearranged such that not only the previously stored key words but wordsinputted through conversation with the character may be directlyutilized to search information.

Next, whether or not appropriate information suitable for providing hasbeen found is determined (step S62). If suitable information has beenfound (step S62: Yes), this information is provided for the user in formof a chat, good news, or the like from the character (step S64).

If no appropriate information suitable for providing has been found(step S62: No), whether or not information should be presented at randomis determined (step S63). In case of presenting information at random(step S63: Yes), the system goes to a step S64 and information isprovided.

For example, a case that information is not provided at random (stepS63: No) is such a case that the user is so aged that the user cannotenjoy the information if it is provided at random. In this case, forexample, an individual countermeasure is taken, e.g., information foraged users is sufficiently filled in the provided information storagepart 31 by version-up or so.

After information is provided for the user, whether or not otherinformation should further be provided is determined (step S65). Whenother information is provided (step S65: Yes), the processing from thestep S61 to the step S65 is repeated.

Also, whether or not a key word should be created from communicationbetween the user and the character based on provided information isdetermined (step S66). In case of creating a key word (step S66: Yes),the system shifts to key word creation accumulation processing (A). Ifno key word should be created (step S66: No), the processing isterminated.

(Processing E-1: Form Processing of Character in ProvidingInformation—1)

Next, based on FIG. 17, explanation will be made of the form processingfor the character when information is provided. The form of thecharacter is determined from the face, costume, and action of thecharacter and properties (tools) which the character carries. Explainednow will be the form processing with respect to the face of thecharacter.

At first, the contents of information to be presented are discussed(step S71-1). For example, if it is determined that the information tobe provided is cheerful one (step S72-1), data for expressing a cheerfulface is selected from the memory map 27 a (step S73-1).

Next, whether or not the present face of the character is cheerful isdetermined (step S74-1). If the character presently has a cheerful face(step S74-1: Yes), the character provides information, continuouslykeeping the cheerful face (step S77-1).

If the present face of the character is not cheerful (step S74-1: No),internal data of the character state storage part 32 is updated by datafor expressing a cheerful face, which is read from the memory map 27 aof the common rule storage part 27 (step S75-1). In this manner, thecharacter is changed from a gloomy face to a cheerful face (step S76-1)and then provides information (step S77-1).

If the information to be provided is determined as including unpleasantcontents by discussion on the contents in the step S71-1 (step S78-1),data for expressing a gloomy face is selected from the memory map 27 a(step S79-1).

Next, whether or not the present face of the character is gloomy isdetermined (step S80-1). If the character presently has a gloomy face(step S80-1: Yes), the character provides information, keeping thegloomy face (step S77-1).

If the face of the character is cheerful (step S80-1: No), the internaldata of the character state storage part 32 is updated by data forexpressing a sad face read from the memory map 27 a of the common rulestorage part 27 (step S81-1). In this manner, the character is changedfrom a cheerful face to a gloomy face (step S82-1), and information isprovided (step S77-1).

Further, if the information to be provided is determined as sad contentsby discussion on the contents in the step S71-1 (step S83-1), the sameprocessing as described above is carried out so that the information isprovided from the character having a sad face. Thus, according to thecontents of provided information, the face of the character is changed.The faces of the character include a calm face, an impressed face, anexpressionless face, and the like in addition to the cheerful face andthe gloomy face as described above. A face which most complies with thecontents is selected in accordance with the contents of each informationitem.

(Processing E-2: Form Processing of Character in ProvidingInformation—2) Next, explanation will be made with reference to FIG. 18on the processing by which properties (tools) of the character arechanged for the contents of information items, respectively.

At first, the contents of the information to be presented is discussed(step S71-2). For example, if it is determined as music information(step S72-2), a head phone is selected from the memory map 27 a as aproperty (tool) which indicates music information (step S73-2).

Next, whether or not the character presently puts on a head phone isdetermined (step S74-2). If the character presently puts on a head phone(step S74-2: Yes), the character provides information, continuouslykeeping its form (step S77-2).

If the character does not put on a head phone (step S74-2: No), the datain the character state storage part 32 is updated by data for putting ahead phone on the character, which is read from the memory map 27 a ofthe common rule storage part 27 (step S75-2). In this manner, thecharacter is changed into a form wearing a head phone (step S76-2), andinformation is provided (step S77-2).

Like the processing described above, for example, if the information tobe provided is determined as baseball information by the determinationin the step S71-2 (step S78-2), data for making the character have a batis selected from the memory map 27 a (step S79-2).

Next, whether or not the character presently has a bat is determined(step S80-2). If the character presently has a bat (step S80-2: Yes),the character provides information, keeping continuously its form (stepS77-2).

If the character does not have a bat (step S80-2: No), the internal dataof the character state storage part 32 is updated by data for lettingthe character have a bat, which is read from the memory map 27 a of thecommon rule storage part 27 (step S81-2). In this manner, the characteris changed into a form with a but (step S82-2), and information isprovided (step S77-2).

Further, if information to be provided is determined as travelinformation by discussion on contents in the step S71-2 (step S83-2),the same processing as described above is carried out, and theinformation is provided from the character with a travel bag.

The character is expressed in various forms by changing costumes, movinghands and legs, moving the mouth in accordance with conversation,dancing on a rhythm, mimicry, and the like, in addition to the form witha property (tool) as described above. In case where processing becomesheavy if all information items are respectively made forms specific tothe information items, different forms are respectively used for thoseinformation items that are often provided, and no special form isdisplayed for those information items that are rarely provided.

Thus, according to information, the character is changed into a displayform related with the information. Not only the face, properties, andcostume of the character are changed as described above but also thecharacter itself may be changed in accordance with the type ofinformation.

In this case, what characters are used respectively for types ofinformation is predetermined. When information is provided, the contentsof the information is discussed, so that the character to be displayedis determined.

For example, newest information is presented by a youthful character. Onthe other hand, wits of life, health information, or the like ispresented by a mature character. The user then can be provided withinformation without a sense of incongruity.

(Procedure of Key Word Creation)

Next, the key word creation system for selecting information for theuser will be explained with reference to FIG. 19.

As shown in FIG. 19, key words are created by the information analysispart 24 of the agent program 22, based on information inputted to theinput part 24 a. This information includes the user profile, answersfrom the user to questions from the character, data information, inputdata inputted to input forms such as questionnaires when the Internet isconnected, and the like. Information of these kinds for creating keywords is inputted to the input part 24 a of the information analysispart 24.

An answer analysis processing part 24 b classifies information intofields such as basic information of the user, habits of the user,interest targets of the user, and the like.

As described above, after information is classified, a specific key wordis created in the key word generation part 24 c. The key words areclassified into groups 29 c to 29 e respectively depending on thefields, and are stored into the key word storage part 29 b provided inthe attribute information storage part 29.

At this time, if key words are ranked in correspondence with importancelevels, information can be provided preferably in the order from themost necessary information for the user when information is provided onthe basis of key words.

Questions from the character are made repeatedly at predetermined cyclesof every week, every month, and the like. Every time a new answer isgiven, a key word is created and accumulated into the key word storagepart 29 b.

Key words can thus be constantly created with respect to interesttargets of the user. Since there is a limitation to the storage capacityof the key word storage part 29 b, capacities are determinedrespectively for groups. When key words are compiled up to a capacity,key words may be automatically deleted in the order from the oldest one.

As described above, key words concerning the interest targets of theuser are created by daily repeated questions. However, if the userdesires to obtain information immediately or so, the user mayintuitively input key words in place of answering to questions.

For example, if the user happens to make a business trip suddenly, theuser inputs “airline ticket to Hokkaido”. This word is inputted to aspecific state key word generation part 24 d. The specific state keyword generation part 24 d creates two key words of “Hokkaido” and“airline ticket”, from the inputted words, and the created key words arestored into a specific state key word storage part 29 f.

User information can be collected or key words can be created from dailylife of the user, without depending on input as described above. Forexample, switching-on of the user computer may be stored every time theswitch of the user computer is turned on. The time at which the usercomputer was turned on most frequently can then be calculated to graspthe time range in which the user connects the Internet. Otherwise, fromthe contents of the web page which was directly accessed and downloadedby the user, it is possible to create a key word concerning an event asan interest target of the user.

(Application Example 1 Using Agent System)

The contents of questions from the character and chats with thecharacter may be changed depending on the attributes of the user, suchas sex, occupation, age, and the like. Hence, the setting may bearranged such that a question such as “who will you talk with?” or thelike is given when a pet appears, and then, conversation develops incompliance with the user.

(Application Example 2 Using Agent System)

The agent system 21 may be provided with a mail function. Mails can besent through the character by the mail function, so that the system canbe used as a communication tool with another person who also has anagent system 21.

When a mail is sent through the communication channel network 2,character display data and processed user information are attached tothe mail. Processed user information means that user information is notdirectly presented but information and the like which other person mayknow are presented after further processing.

In this case, of the contents about which conversation has been madewith the character, there is provided a function to conceal thosecontents that should be kept secret particularly. Alternatively, theremay be provided with such a function which allows the character toinform the user of such contents which are hard to notice by mail.

(Application Example 3 Using Agent System)

The agent system 21 may be provided with a health management function.In this case, a dictionary about symptoms and treatments is registeredin the provided-information storage part 31 of the knowledge data base26.

When the user inputs “stomachache” through conversation with thecharacter, the agent system 21 creates key words of “stomach” and “ach”,and information concerning stomachache is provided for the user from theprovided-information storage part 31.

For example, in case of a stomachache, names of disease such as“influenza”, “food poisoning”, “gastritis”, and the like which areassociated with a stomachache, and symptoms thereof are displayed. Ifthe user selects a name of disease which the user thinks to be hitting,the treatment for the disease is further displayed. At this time, thecharacter is displayed, putting on a white gown and a stethoscope.

At this time, if the computer is on line, the agent system 21 accessesthe server 3 and detects web pages of drug manufactures which introducemedicines concerning the disease and addresses of web pages of specialhospitals. The web pages and addresses are provided for the user.

Further, as a function for daily health management, there may beprovided a calorie calculation function. In this case, calories dataconcerning ingredients and foods and calorie calculation formulas arestored previously in the provided-information storage part 31.

The user records daily meals with use of the user computer 1. Key wordsare then created from the contents of the records. Information relatedthereto is read from the provide-information storage part 31, andcalorie calculation is carried out, to present the calories.

Daily records of meals may be stored for a predetermined period. Data ofarticles which the user eats within the period and calorie data thereofmay be compiled for every day, week, and month. What nutrients areinsufficient to what extent and how excessive the calorie is may benotified.

(Application Example 4 Using Agent System)

The agent system 21 may be provided with a shopping function. Theshopping function allows the agent system 21 to do shopping in place ofthe user who is busy.

For example, this shopping function does such shopping which the userparticularly wants someone to substitute, such as shopping for dailyfoods or so, thereby to reduce housework of the user. To utilize theshopping function, procedures such as payments are necessary, and a useridentifier and pass word which are notified only to the user are used.

For the shopping function, the provided information storage part 31stores various menus, information concerning food materials necessaryfor menus, video information visually showing various menus, and thelike, as data. Various menus are displayed in form of a list if the userinputs “which menu will I have today?” in conversation with thecharacter.

If the user selects a predetermined menu and a number of persons, thekinds of necessary food materials and necessary amounts are displayedsequentially. The user confirms stocked food materials and determinesnecessary food materials to buy. The user also determines time to buy.The time to buy is registered in the timer.

After the items and time to buy are determined, data thereof is storedinto a storage part such as a HDD or the like. Further, when the timecomes, desired articles are automatically purchased by the followingprocessing of the shopping function.

At first, when the time to buy comes, the agent system 21 startsoperating. If the agent system 21 has already started up, the characternotifies the user of the purchase. At this time, the character isdisplayed with a shopping basket in one hand. If the agent system 21 hasnot yet started up, the user starts up the system or the agent system 21is started up by the timer.

At first, the user identifier and pass word are sent to the server 3through the communication channel network 2, to achieve identificationof the user. Next, information concerning commercial articles is sent tothe server 3.

The side of the server 3 accesses a web page which deals with thearticles to buy, and obtains information concerning the commercialarticles as purchase targets, which is presented to the user. Theinformation concerning the commercial articles is shown in form of alist, for example, and final confirmation with the user is settled byclicking the articles.

If the side of the user thinks that time is not enough to confirm thepurchase and that the user may entrust the purchase to the agent system21, the user also sends information saying that this shopping isentrusted to the agent system, at the same time when the user sendsinformation concerning the articles to buy to the server 3.

Thus, commercial articles necessary for the user are purchasedautomatically. A payment method in case of using the shopping functionis selected among credit card, bank account payment, and cash ondelivery. It is preferable if the user can select either the selectionof a payment method should be made at the time of purchase or should bepreviously made, in compliance with the situation of the user.

(Application Example 5 Using Agent System)

In the side of the server 3, there may be provided a function to providemuch more of information by widening variations from a key word. Forexample, if information concerning a certain artist should be obtained,another artist who belongs to the same category as that of the certainartist, selected based on the name of the artist, and information of theanother artist may be provided together. In this manner, the user canobtain unexpected information in the field in which the user isinterested, resulting in an effect that the user feels twice fun toobtain information.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As has been explained above, according to the present invention, theform of the character changes in correspondence with the type ofinformation to be provided for the user. The user can thereforeintuitively understand the contents of the information and canimmediately accept the information.

Whether the system is on or off line, things which the user is dailyinterested in can be collected and analyzed through conversation with acharacter conscientiously. The user can therefore obtain informationwhich complies with tastes of the user, and simultaneously, theinformation providing side can provided effective information.

Further, since information is provided through a character, the systemcan contribute to environments which cause much stress due toresidential reasons. That is, a pet appears and the user can communicatewith the pet, every time the computer is operated. The fun to use thecomputer increases twice and fun to grow the pet can be enjoyed becausethe character grows up as user information is compiled more.

In the present invention, the system can be used both when the user ishome and when the user is outside. That is, if the agent system isprovided in a mobile terminal, it can be used at places where the usergoes.

Further, if the agent program and the like are provided in the side ofthe user computer, the concealment of user information can be kept.Also, when the number of users increases, the side of the server 3 canbe prevented from being burdened too much, so that maintenance of theserver 3 can be facilitated.

1. An agent system providing information for a user by displaying acomputer-controlled character, comprising: an agent program portionprovided in a user computer connected to a communication channel of anetwork; a user information storage portion storing user information;and a character display data storage portion storing character displaydata for determining a display form of the character, the characterdisplay data storage portion including: an outer state storage part forstoring outer parameters describing physical properties of thecharacter; and an inner state storage part for storing inner parametersdescribing personal feelings of the character, wherein the agent programportion is adapted to (i) collect the user information and informationselected by the user, (ii) create a key word based only on the userinformation, and (iii) use the character for: obtaining the selectedinformation from a server connected to the network; providing theselected information to the user with the display form of the character;varying the display form of the character based on the selectedinformation and the character display data in compliance with a type ofthe selected information; and inquiring at predetermined times on userselections.
 2. The agent system according to claim 1, wherein theselected information is information from at least one web page.
 3. Theagent system according to claim 2, wherein the information from the atleast one web page is downloaded to and is then displayed on the usercomputer.
 4. The agent system according to claim 1, wherein the key wordis created based on an answer given by the user to a question asked bythe character.
 5. The agent system according to claim 1, wherein the keyword includes an address of at least one web page accessed by the usercomputer through the communication channel of the network.
 6. The agentsystem according to claim 1, wherein the user computer includes a mobilecomputing apparatus.
 7. A method for providing a user with informationusing a computer-controlled character, the method comprising: collectingindividual information of the user; creating a key word based only onthe individual information of the user; searching specific informationselected by the user based on the key word using the character, thecharacter being adapted for obtaining the selected information from aserver connected to a network; selecting for the character a form basedon the specific information; storing outer parameters describingphysical properties of the character; storing inner parametersdescribing personal feelings of the character; providing the specificinformation to the user by displaying the character in the selected formand varying the selected form of the character based on a type of theselected information; and inquiring at predetermined times on userselections.
 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the specificinformation is information from at least one web page.
 9. The methodaccording to claim 7, wherein the individual information is obtainedfrom user answers to questions asked by the character.
 10. The methodaccording to claim 7, wherein the individual information is obtainedfrom data inputted by the user based on a conversation with thecharacter.
 11. An information providing apparatus, comprising: aprocessing unit adapted for executing: an agent program creating acomputer-controlled character; a first process of obtaining userinformation; a second process of determining a character display formusing character display data including outer parameters describingphysical properties of the character and inner parameters describingpersonal feelings of the character; a third process of collecting theuser information and/or information selected by the user; a fourthprocess of creating a key word based only on the user information; and afifth process of providing the selected information to a user with thecharacter display; and varying the character display form, the outer andinner parameters of the character, the selected information and thecharacter display data in compliance with a type of the selectedinformation; a transmission/reception unit adapted to transmitinformation to and receive information from a user computer through acommunication channel of a network using the character; an informationstorage unit storing predetermined information; and an informationsearch unit adapted to search the predetermined information using thekey word.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein theprocessing unit is a portion of the user computer or a server computer.13. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein thetransmission/reception unit, the information storage unit, and theinformation search unit are provided in the user computer or a servercomputer.
 14. A data recording medium storing a computerexecutableprogram having instructions for performing a method, the methodcomprising: collecting user information and information selected by auser; creating a key word based only on the user information; selectinga display form for a computer-controlled character; storing outerparameters describing physical properties of the character; storinginner parameters describing personal feelings of the character; varyingthe display form based on the selected information; and displaying theouter parameters, the inner parameters, and the selected informationusing the display form of the character.